October 3, 2011Dear Sir,One reason families are leaving Bermuda is lack of status. Even PRCs are second class. They’ve been here a minimum of 22 years, some 40 or more. They can’t vote and some pay property taxes from which status-holders are exempt. Most importantly, there is no feeling of security and they know they can be turned away at any time.Secondly the cost of medical care in Bermuda is exceptionally high. Local insurers charge $20,000-plus annually for a family of two. Even then patients must pay for each doctors visit. In many countries health care is free.Bermuda would do well to accord Permanent Residents full status and thus reduce the erosion of population and have more shoppers and renters to support the economy.ARCY DUBYAPaget